NZ guard of honour for drowned Melbourne man

The parents of a 21-year-old Australian equestrian rider who drowned in the Waikato River in New Zealand earlier this week are urging others to be careful while swimming in rivers.

Mathew Slade drowned after going for a swim with friends in the Waikato River, near Taupo, on Wednesday evening. His body was recovered at 2.15pm on Thursday.

Mr Slade's Melbourne-based parents Warwick and Karen Slade say it doesn't matter how fit or strong you are, rivers are unpredictable and swimmers can quickly get into trouble.

Mr Slade had been camping at the nearby National Equestrian Centre.

His family have spoken of his love of riding and his success as a mounted games rider, a sport at which he represented Australia.

His parents said he had been with a group of kids and adults having some fun enjoying the majestic river.

‘‘We will always be grateful to know that he was not alone in the end and knowing the details of what happened has definitely helped with coming to terms with the whole sad situation.’’

Sixty mounted riders formed a guard of honour as Mr Slade’s body was recovered and an Australian flag signed by the team of riders he was working with was presented to the family.

‘‘We stood there as Mathew passed to honour this fine young man who gave everything he had to everything he did and gave of himself to everyone he met.’’

The river was blessed by Maori members of the equestrian community and a haka was performed by a female member of the family Mr Slade had been staying with.Mr Slade was preparing for an international competition in New Zealand in March.